'09 KY ATH Justin Green (Illinois Signee)

[wadc45]

Originally Posted by SubDude

Just reading all the signs from JT's presser...especially on the number of recruits taken and trying to get under the limits.

I'm thinking he switched to Illinois because the staff wanted him to greyshirt.

Before someone starts clowning on you let's just go ahead and say that you are absolutely incorrect about that...

[Taosman]

Ah! Go on and clown on him!

[NFBuck]

Clearly he preferred the weather in Champonnya.

[Cinfali]

Originally Posted by gost8

Fellows for Green.... I'll take it. If Justin feels Illinois is a better fit then so be it. Still an outstanding class. Great time to be a Buckeye.

I preferred the old trade where we got both of those guys and Illini got the middle finger.

In all seriousness, as coach said today that is why there is a national signing day. I don't know the inner workings of Justin's recruitment but it was obvious from the start that he was not very comfortable with Ohio State.

[wadc45]

Scout $

2/4

From the Illinois site...talks about what a difficult decision it was but that in the end he felt more comfortable with the Illinois staff and likes the chance to play RB early there.

[Gatorubet]

Originally Posted by wadc45

Before someone starts clowning on you let's just go ahead and say that you are absolutely incorrect about that...

[Muck]

Brock Bolen sends his regards.

Hope things work out for Justin.

[Redhawk]

Scout.com: National Notebook - Recruiting Battles
(free)

Fairly late in the recruiting process, Louisville Male (Ky.) standout Justin Green said it would take something "really great" to change his commitment from Ohio State. Something great turned out to be an opportunity to play running back and that opportunity came at Illinois.

The four-star 5-foot-11, 180-pounder had been committed to the Buckeyes since June, visited Illinois in late January, and announced on Signing Day that he had flipped to Ron Zook's program. Green was likely ticketed for cornerback in Columbus. In Champaign, Scout.com?s No. 23 cornerback will have the opportunity to carry the ball. "It's definitely what I would like to start off playing," Green said.

Green, who missed three games his senior season because of injury, carried 86 times for 510 yards and eight touchdowns. He knows that early playing time, where he landed, is no given. "I knew anywhere I go I'm going to have to compete to play right away," he said.

Ultimately, Green visited Ohio State, Kentucky and Clemson, but it was that late trip to Champaign on Jan. 23 that tipped him from one Big Ten school to another. "Basically I just felt right at home with all the staff and I felt like I clicked really good with all the players," Green said. "I knew right after my visit. Now I'm just ready to get to work."

Green says his strengths are his speed and the ability to hit a hole fast. "And get to where I need to be going," he said.
That turned out to be Illinois instead of Ohio State.

[ScriptOhio]

It always amazes me how how the goal of every good high school football player is to play in ther NFL. However, they don't "play the odds". They would rather be a running back in college than a cornerback even though NFL cornerbacks average more money, have longer careers, take less physical abuse, and account for two starting positions (sometimes 3 or 4 depending on the defense).

NFL's Average Salaries By Position per SI:

1. Quarterback | $1,970,982
2. Defensive End | $1,583,784
3. Offensive Lineman | $1,267,402
4. Defensive Tackle | $1,223,925
5. Cornerback | $1,193,666
6. Linebacker | $1,175,788
7. Wide Receiver | $1,054,437
8. Running Back | $957,360
9. Safety | $947,887
10. Punter/Kicker | $868,005
11. Tight End | $863,414

National Football League Football Professional Football Sports Terrell Owens - SI Vault



San Francisco corner Nate Clements ($11.1 million) is the league's second-best paid defensive player after Julius Peppers and joins 49er's safety Michael Lewis as the highest-paid secondary duo at a combined $15.3 million.

Somehow I have to believe that Nate Clemens is thanking his lucky stars (and multiple bank accounts ) that he had an opportunity to play conerback at Ohio State.

[southcampus]

I can't argue with a kid who wants to play RB rather the CB. If money was the issue, then he may have made a different decision. It appears to me that this decision was based off of pursuing a dream and at least giving it a shot. I respect him for that, but by no means will I root for him

[Buckskin86]

RB Green expecting an earful in Columbus
Anthony Zilis Sports staff writer, blogger
September 25th, 2009

Justin Green's first Ohio State experience of his collegiate career will be a little different than other players'.

After originally committing to the Buckeyes, Green backed out and joined the Illini, who promised to play him at running back rather than defensive back.

The freshman knows he may face some unwanted recognition from the fans when he steps out onto the field.

I don't even want to think about that right now," Green said. "I don't even want to think about that.

Green's season started off a little flat, as he lost a yard on one carry in the opener against Missouri. However, his second game was more successful as he gained 56 yards and recorded his first career touchdown.

But success aside, Green has become acclimated with the college game.

"Those first two games definitely helped out a lot as far as getting my feet wet," Green said. "Right now, the big thing for me is learning all the big plays and all the possibilities."

The Illini's playbook is notably a difficult one to learn for freshmen, and it's been one of the biggest obstacles in Green's young career.

"Sometimes it is a problem, we've got a whole lot of signals.

You've got to think really fast and think on your toes," he said. "It's definitely faster than high school, but I'm pretty much acclimated to it now."

Green's brother, Marcus, played at Ohio State from 2002 to 2005, and he went to high school in Louisville, Ky., three hours away from Columbus. Needless to say, Saturday will be a special day for him.

"I grew up in that stadium," he said. "It's gonna be big to just step in that stadium and be able to play in front of that crowd."

RB Green expecting an earful in Columbus | The Daily Illini

[BuckeyeNation27]

RB Green expecting an earful in Columbus

I follow recruiting and I forgot about him until this thread came up. He thinks OSU fans care?

[starBUCKS]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNation27

I follow recruiting and I forgot about him until this thread came up. He thinks OSU fans care?

Exactly my thoughts...I was thinking, oh yeah?

[pnuts34]

LMAO! Ya'll aint right, but for real, who really remembers that many kids who end up not playing for us?! I wish him success... Just not on 9/26

[heisman]

You sir, are no Desmond Howard.